CAE won orders for full-flight simulators and related CAE Simfinity training devices valued at more than C$126 million ($124.1 million) from Continental Airlines, US Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Algerie and Alteon Training.

CAE won orders for full-flight simulators and related CAE Simfinity training devices valued at more than C$126 million ($124.1 million) from Continental Airlines, US Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Algerie and Alteon Training.

"We are delighted that these customers have placed their trust and confidence in CAE as the industry's premier provider of true fidelity simulation equipment to support pilot training programs," CAE President Marc Parent said. "We are pleased that long-time customers Continental and US Airways have once again selected CAE. The legacy carriers in the United States are beginning to address their fleet renewal needs and we anticipate this will eventually provide CAE with more opportunities in the North American market."

CO purchased a CAE 7000 Series 787 FFS and a set of CAE Simfinity training devices. The simulator and Simfinity FTD and VSIM for 787s will be delivered to CO's training center in Houston this year. The airline has 25 787s on order with Boeing and expects to begin receiving deliveries in 2009.

"We look forward to adding the Boeing 787 to our fleet, and to do so we need the highest quality and highest fidelity simulators for our pilot training program," VP-Flight Operations Fred Abbott said. "For many years CAE has been an excellent partner working with Continental's flight training and purchasing groups to deliver high-quality and reliable simulation equipment. We expect this will continue as we add the Boeing 787 to our training portfolio."

US ordered two CAE 7000 Series A320 FFSs, one CAE 7000 Series A330/A340 FFS, nine CAE Simfinity Integrated Procedures Trainers and CAE Simfinity VSIMs for A320 and A330/A340 platforms. The 7000 Series FFSs will feature CAE's next-generation visual solution, including the Tropos-6000 visual system and LCoS projectors. The FFSs and IPTs are slated for delivery late this year.

"We're very pleased to continue our relationship with CAE and look forward to working with them to meet our training needs," said MD-Flight Training and Standards Robert Skinner.

Etihad committed to a 7000 Series A320 FFS and a Simfinity Maintenance FTD for A320, A330 and A340 platforms. The FTD is a multitask trainer that the carrier intends to use for flight crew and maintenance training. The simulator will feature the CAE True electric motion system and next-generation visual solution. The A320 FFS will be delivered later this year to Etihad's training center in Abu Dhabi.

"The A320 is set to become an increasingly important aircraft in Etihad's fleet strategy and therefore it is vital that we have the best equipment and technology in place to train our pilots to the very highest standards," CEO James Hogan said. "The simulator will be state-of-the-art in every way and because the onboard technology can be regularly upgraded, we will be able to use it for many years."

Air Algerie requested a CAE 7000 Series 737NG FFS. It will be delivered to the airline's training center in Algiers this year.

Alteon, Boeing's training subsidiary, bought a 7000 Series 737NG FFS and another FFS product that will be assigned a specific platform at a later date. It purchased a 747-8 simulator from CAE last year.

"This contract is the result of Boeing's commitments to Canadian business arising from the government's purchase of four C-17 aircraft," the Canadian government said. "This stands as a testament to the talent and abilities of this region's businesses. There are many more projects to come, each with a guaranteed 100% return on investment and, given the extensive capacity of Canadian industry, businesses from all regions of Canada are expected to benefit."

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